The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Check out our new bookstore Partner: Common Good Bookstore at Western and Selby just south of Highway 94 below Nina's Cafe. You can browse their wonderful selection or order online at Common Good Books.com

CURRENT TV:Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world.

Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation is the umbrella organization of Minneapolis area local unions and includes 121 affiliated unions. Affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the Minneapolis RLF's mission is to organize in the community for social and economic justice for all working people.

The MRLF office is located at the Minneapolis United Labor Center, Suite 542, 312 Central Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414 (corner of Central Ave. and University Ave.). Phone: 612-379-4206. Fax: 612-379-1307.

The Labor Community Services Food Shelf:

If you're a union member in need of emergency food assistance, please contact Community Services at 612-379-8133.

The local Minneapolis affiliate of Howard Dean's Democracy for America. The progressive grassroots at its best.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at Diamonds Coffee Shoppe, 1618 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis--three blocks north of Broadway.

NAACP MinneapolisFrom the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, organizers, and leaders who forged this great organization and maintain its status as a champion of social justice, fought long and hard to ensure that the voices of African Americans would be heard. For one hundred years, the talent and tenacity of NAACP members have saved lives and changed many negative aspects of American society.

GREEN BUSINESSES IN THE MINNEAPOLIS AREA: These are some of the best local businesses around. Taken from the Green America Green Pages

Green Career Trackswww.greencareertracks.com Special offer for Green Pages™ readers: 10% off three-month plan. "Want to work for a sustainable world?" Green careers are being created daily in environmental industries and green business opportunities. Free ½-hr consultation to get started.Phone: (612)822-02884132 Park Ave.Minneapolis, MN 55407

Coffee and Tea, Ltd.www.coffeeandtealtd.com Special offer for Green Pages™ readers: Free freight on mail orders over $50 with mention of the National Green Pages™. Has a very large selection of Fair Trade Certified™ coffees. All mail orders are roasted after you place your order.Phone: (612)920-6344Fax: (612)920-63442730 W. 43rd St.Minneapolis, MN 55410-1656

Franklin National Bankwww.franklinbankmpls.com "At Franklin Bank, we have a mission... well, actually, it's a passion for improving the urban community. Our vision is to be the leader in improving the urban community. Everyday we work hard to find new ways to use our resources to improve life in urban Minneapolis. We believe social responsibility based on solid partnerships is vital for the success of our communities. We embrace diversity and support the individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations who work tirelessly to: create jobs, build affordable housing, help individuals reach their goals, and improve the quality of life for all of us. We are a locally owned, CDFI certified community bank, offering all the financial tools you need. Partner with us and together we can accomplish great things!"Phone: (651)259-2221Fax: (651)259-2231525 Washington Avenue N.Minneapolis, MN 55401

Community Reinvestment Fundwww.crfusa.com CRF is the nation's leader in bringing capital to public and private nonprofit community development lenders through the secondary market for loans. CRF has injected nearly one billion dollars into economically disadvantaged communities around the country to help stimulate economic development, provide affordable housing and support community facilities.Phone: (800)475-3050Fax: (612)338-3236801 Nicollet MallSte. 1700 WMinneapolis, MN 55402-2500

Northcountry Cooperative Development Fundwww.NCDF.org Member-owned and -governed cooperative financial intermediary offering loans to cooperative enterprises across the Upper Midwest, and an investment opportunity to all. Has made millions of dollars in capital available to a range of small consumer, worker, housing, and producer cooperatives and their members, thus fostering the growth and development of community-based enterprises owned and governed by those who use them.Phone: (612)331-9103Fax: (612)331-9145219 Main St. SESte. 500Minneapolis, MN 55414-2152

Effect Partnerswww.EffectPartners.com A pioneer and the recognized experts on best practices in sustainability and social change marketing. We have 20 years of experience creating social change to build brandsPhone: (952)426-78004208 Park Glen Rd.Minneapolis, MN 55416